Catherine Anderson

Dr. Catherine L. Anderson, long-time and much beloved Maryland psychotherapist, died at her home on February 11 at about 2:45 p.m. She had fought valiantly to overcome stage 4 renal cell cancer for six years, much longer than the recognized life expectancy. The family will hold a private gathering for her work colleagues, close friends, and family.

Dr. Anderson was born in Omaha Nebraska in 1956 to Clarence Wilmat James and Louise Shannon James. Her father was a retired Naval officer with battle experience in both World War II and Korea and numerous medals and commendations. He moved with his wife and new daughter to a farm near Harrison, Arkansas when Catherine was very young, and she grew up in that community. She attended Hendrix College in Conway Arkansas, where she graduated in two-and-half years. By 21 she had completed her masters in School Psychology at the University of Central Arkansas. She married William Anderson of Ozark, Arkansas in March of 1978.

Catherine worked with developmentally disabled children in Conway, Arkansas for two years before the couple moved to Duluth, Minnesota in 1979. Their two children, Nathaniel and Amanda, were born in Duluth. In Duluth she practiced at the Human Development Center and developed a specialty in treatment of sex offenders. After William graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1988, the coupled moved to Washington, D.C. Catherine then obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Maryland.

Her practice thereafter consisted of individual therapy, testing, and court testimony involving a wide-range of clients. She began her Ph.D. career first with the Fairfax County mental health system, and then as a senior psychologist at The CENTER: Post-traumatic Disorders Program at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington. For the last three decades she conducted a full-time private psychotherapy practice in Bethesda, Maryland. During that time frame, she completed a comprehensive course in psychoanalytic training through what was then known as the New York Freudian Society (today the Contemporary Freudian Society). She served many years in that organization as a training analyst, supervisor, and teacher, along with many committee roles. Catherine authored numerous articles and co-published a book entitled Wearing My Tutu to Analysis. She was a frequent speaker at conferences and one of the leaders of the New Directions psychoanalytic writing program, affiliated with the Washington Baltimore Center for Psychoanalysis. She also served as a peer reviewer for numerous articles in major psychotherapy journals.

She continued to conduct private therapy sessions until two weeks before her death. Her career spanned 48 years in which she healed, and in some cases literally saved, many damaged lives. Her death has produced an outpouring of stories and heartfelt thanks from her clients and colleagues.

Catherine served several roles at Metropolitan United Methodist Church during the couple's years in the Washington area, including as chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, co-teacher with nationally known Rev. William Holmes, and counselor to church staff. For many years, her love of cooking and foodie skills highlighted the widely anticipated annual Metropolitan Christmas party that the Andersons held at their house each year. She left behind a large footprint at the church and a great many friends who will miss her dearly.

Catherine devoted herself to her family while sustaining her work and church efforts. She doted on her four grandchildren and spent many hours with them. She leaves behind heartfelt memories of GaGa and her antics. It is impossible to overstate the hole left in our world by her passing.

Catherine was long-time supporter of WAMU public radio and a number of other local organizations. Contributions in her memory may go to Trans Youth Equality Foundation, Heifer International, or WAMU Memories or wishes can be posted at memorial site here. The family thanks all those who supported us during her cancer treatment and her end-of-life journey.